Organic Beauty

Beauty and healthcare has come a long way and now there is a product for every problem. Yet no denying, it is the homely turmeric-sandalwood-rosewater paste that somehow triumps all to bring back the glow on your face. On days when everything else fails, it is these home remedies, or what you may call nani ke nuskhe, that tugs at your heart. And with the beauty world now going au naturale, some organic companies such as Kama Ayurveda, Pahadi Local and The Body Shop are going one step further to add a touch of luxury and ‘feel-good’ to their products — right from packaging to pricing.

Advocating the initiative of ‘luxury in simplicity’ is Pahadi Local, which showcases wellness products native to the Himalayas. The year-and-a-half-old company prides itself on empowering communities and providing source-to-the-bottle products. Its products range falls under two categories — skincare and wellness, and include various forms of hair and massage oils to a variety of scrubs, teas and honey. Founder Jessica Jayne says that the idea of starting Pahadi Local stemmed from her discovery of Gutti ka Tel or apricot kernel oil. “The brand was born because of this product and everyone loves it. It is a miracle oil and hardly known in the plains but used in every household in the hills,” explains Jayne. The price ranges from Rs.650 to Rs.15,000. However, Jayne hasn’t opened a store yet. Currently, all the brand's wares are sold online, in Good Earth stores across India and at Aashka by Princess Bhargavi in Jaipur and Udaipur.

Leveraging the current popularity of natural cosmetic products is Indian ayurvedic brand, Kama Ayurveda. Since it was launched in 2002, it has taken this body of science on the path of luxury. With a focus on creating a complete solution to treat the root cause, Kama draws on ayurvedic ingredients to provide a wholesome natural remedy. “The key here is ‘authentic’ — pure and classical Ayurveda is at the heart of everything we do. Our purpose is to bring authentic Ayurveda to the world through effective formulations as well as elegant and contemporary packaging,” says Vivek Sahni, CEO, Kama Ayurveda. Its current product line includes skin, hair, bath & body, mother & child, men’s care, gifting and wellness. In fact, the brand is known for some of its iconic treatment products such as Bringadi Intensive Hair Treatment, Kumkumadi Miraculous Beauty Fluid and Kumkumadi Brightening Ayurvedic Face Scrub. It has recently launched a new range of natural sunscreen called ‘Natural Sun Protection’ combining all-mineral, broad spectrum SPF 21 active with antioxidant-rich natural ingredients. The 200ml bottles are priced anywhere between Rs.225 to Rs.2,295.

Moving on to more global brands, The Body Shop focuses on high-quality, naturally-inspired skincare, hair care, bath and body and make-up that is produced ethically and sustainably. Founded in 1976, they moved to India in 2006 and currently have more than 150 stores across 50 cities. With a price range between Rs.340 to Rs.3,000, it exploits processes such as cold press and plant stem cell to extract the purest elements of the plant to be used in stimulating the renewal of skin cells. Meanwhile, the Headspace Technology creates scent without damaging or destroying the living plant, fruit and tree. “The Body Shop’s Enrich Not Exploit Commitment is dedicated to enriching our people and products as well as the planet, working fairly with farmers and suppliers and helping communities thrive through our Community Trade programme,” explains Aradhika Mehta, marketing head. The Body Shop's most popular selection is tea tree oil and vitamin E that enjoys the USP of being cruelty-free products.

Although nothing may ever match your nani ke nuskhe, these organic remedies might be the next closest thing to home — that too worth the price.